Liverpool have been handed a double fitness boost ahead of the FA Cup third round clash with Accrington Stanley this weekend, with Arne Slot confirming as much.
The Reds lost 1-0 at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek, but now it’s time for the other domestic cup to take centre stage.
League Two side Accrington make the relatively short journey to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, looking to produce one of the biggest shocks in the history of the FA Cup.
There have been concerns about Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai heading into the game, with the pair both struggling with illness. It even forced the former off the pitch at Spurs before half-time.
Speaking ahead of the Accrington [via This Is Anfield], Slot confirmed that the pair could be in contention this weekend, having overcome their issues:
“Dom trained with the U21s yesterday. Jarell like I said was a bit ill last week, as a result of that I had to take him off but I’m expecting him to be available tomorrow [Saturday].”
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s team to face Accrington…
Having both Quansah and Szoboszlai available for Saturday’s game would be a welcome boost for Slot, on a day when he is expected to ring the changes.
Liverpool have a huge game away to in-form Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, in a match where he will need all of his big-hitters to be fit and firing.
For that reason, expect to see a host of fringe players and youngsters involved against Accrington, with Caoimhin Kelleher likely to replace Alisson in goal.
Amara Nallo is an option at centre-back, should Slot not want to risk Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, while Trey Nyoni could come into the midfield with the experienced Wataru Endo, giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister a breather.
In attack, Mohamed Salah will surely get the afternoon off, and it represents a good opportunity for Slot to give some minutes to Darwin Nunez, who is still flattering to deceive in a Liverpool shirt.
Young striker Jayden Danns is also available again, and it would be great to see him handed an opportunity at some point during the game.
